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DEMOCRACY

The Australian Greens policy platform, most recently reviewed in 2015, establishes the principles and aims of the party. These policies underpin all initiatives and bills developed by our members of parliament and are reviewed every three years by the membership of the Greens in a grassroots process. During an election, we release initiatives to create an election platform.

Green philosophy is underpinned by a belief in grassroots democracy, in which all citizens have the right to express their views and have the capacity and opportunity to directly participate in environmental, economic, social and political decisions.

The Australian Greens seek to increase opportunities for public participation in decision-making and to break down the inequalities of wealth and power which inhibit participatory democracy. Parliaments should serve the best interests of all Australians; transparency and accountability in government decision-making at all levels are essential for democracy to flourish.

A key pillar of democracy is the free flow of information between citizens and all spheres of government, which requires locally responsible, diverse, and independent mass media, including publicly owned broadcasting.

As well as strengthening democracy at home, Australia should play an active role in promoting participatory democracy worldwide. This means promoting respect for and protection of human rights as well as social justice and environmental sustainability.

Equality between men and women is also central to democracy, particularly in developing countries where gender disparities in power and resources often exclude women and their concerns from decision-making.